Encystment and polymer production by Azotobacter vinelandii in the presence of beta-hydroxybutyrate.
Cells of Azotobacter vinelandii encysted in Burk's nitrogen-free liquid media which had been supplemented with n-butyl alcohol, beta-hydroxybutyrate, or crotonate. Butyraldehyde and butyrate did not influence the extent of encystment. In the absence of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate enhanced the rate and extent of encystment. In the presence of glucose, it promoted abortive encystment, which was manifested by the disorganization of the exine and the release of a highly viscous material into the medium. The soluble, viscous polymer was separated from the medium by a series of ethyl alcohol precipitations and identified as a mucopeptide. It was cleaved by treatment with lysozyme and lysostaphin with a concomitant increase in reducing power. It contained 13.9% N; 56% amino acids, as alanine (alanine, lysine, and glutamic acids); and 42% hexosamines. The polymer appeared to be similar to a noncross-linked peptidoglycan.
D000438:Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology; D001395:Azotobacter / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D003470:Culture Media; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009024:Morphogenesis; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis
D000438:Alcohols; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D003470:Culture Media; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D010455:Peptides; D011108:Polymers; D005947:Glucose